DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $678K for 4oz beef patties, with 33 orders placed
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $61,050 ($61.0K)
Contractor: North Star Imports, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 90 days
Daily Burn Rate: $678/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 33
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BEEF PATTY 4 OZ, POUNDS BEEF, GROUND, 80/20, POUNDS
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT PAUL, DAKOTA County, MINNESOTA, 55122
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $61,050 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC for work described as: BEEF PATTY 4 OZ, POUNDS BEEF, GROUND, 80/20, POUNDS Key points: 1. The contract for beef patties is valued at $678,000. 2. Competition was utilized under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. The contract duration is 90 days, with potential for multiple orders. 4. The sector is Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing, with a specific focus on meat products.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract was awarded via Purchase Order, suggesting a less formal pricing negotiation than a full-fledged contract. The benchmark price per pound is not explicitly stated, making direct comparison difficult without further data on market rates for 80/20 ground beef.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition environment, likely for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The total value of $678,000 for a 90-day supply of beef patties represents a significant expenditure, and the limited competition may mean taxpayers are not receiving the best possible price.
Public Impact
Prisoners will receive a consistent supply of beef patties. The contract supports the food manufacturing sector, specifically meat processing. The short duration of the contract suggests potential for frequent re-competition or adjustments based on need.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Short contract duration
- Lack of detailed pricing benchmarks
Positive Signals
- Competition was utilized
- Firm fixed price contract type
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing, specifically focusing on processed meat products for institutional use. Spending benchmarks for similar food items in federal prisons can vary widely based on volume, quality specifications, and geographic location.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. SAP procurements can sometimes be set aside for small businesses, but this is not specified here.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for managing this contract. Oversight would involve ensuring delivery of specified product quality and quantity, and adherence to the firm fixed price.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for inflated pricing due to limited competition.
- Lack of transparency in per-unit cost.
- Short contract duration may indicate recurring need or potential for price increases in future solicitations.
- Dependence on a single supplier for a critical food item.
Tags
all-other-miscellaneous-food-manufacturi, department-of-justice, mn, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $61,050 to NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC. BEEF PATTY 4 OZ, POUNDS BEEF, GROUND, 80/20, POUNDS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTH STAR IMPORTS, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $61,050.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the average cost per pound of beef patties under this contract?
The contract specifies 4 oz beef patties and a total value of $678,000 over 90 days with 33 orders. To determine the cost per pound, we need the total weight of beef patties purchased. Assuming each patty is 0.25 lbs, and there are 33 orders, the total number of patties is unknown. Without the total quantity, the cost per pound cannot be calculated.
What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for food procurement?
Limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) can lead to higher prices for taxpayers as vendors may face less pressure to offer their best pricing. It also reduces the opportunity for a wider range of suppliers, potentially excluding innovative or more cost-effective solutions. This can impact overall value for money.
How effective is the firm fixed price contract type for perishable goods like beef patties?
A firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty for the government, as the price is set regardless of the contractor's actual costs. For perishable goods like beef patties, this can be effective if demand is predictable. However, it places the risk of cost fluctuations (e.g., market price of beef) on the contractor, which might be factored into the initial price.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 15B11726Q00000007
Offers Received: 33
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: North Star Imports LLC
Address: 3459 WASHINGTON DR STE 201, SAINT PAUL, MN, 55122
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $61,050
Exercised Options: $61,050
Current Obligation: $61,050
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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